The beginning of 2021 was challenging as the end of 2020 was. We started with lockdown, uncertainty and fear. We heard of a vaccine, but also of a new strain of COVID, which might be worst than the first. 2021, a year of hope, started in a dull light. Yet we have not given up and still we as the church are striving to find ways to play our part and to live the message of love that we have received from God.
This might reflect an experience of faith we have had. We go through a certain season with God, maybe good or maybe bad. When that time comes to an end, we are uncertain of how to adapt or re-approach our living and acting relationship with God, to stay in touch with God. Please note, this is very normal. In all relationships there are ups and downs, thus, our relationship with God is the same. God did not change, but we did, our context did and what we are experiencing in our very real and always changing lives did.
This constant is what I think we should hold on to and should not forget. Whether you feel close to God or whether you don’t feel God’s presence, whether you feel God’s call to act or whether you are upset because you don’t know where God wants you to go. Remember this, God loves you, God wants to be in a relationship with you and thanks to Jesus, there is always hope for this our broken world.
As we move out of the festive celebrations of Christmas, we move into the year with all it’s challenges. January is often described as too long for my wallet and before we know it, we’re longing for the next holiday. In a similar way the church year moves quite fast from Christmas time, to Epiphany – when we celebrate that Jesus’ identity was made known to the wise men – into the time of Lent. Lent being a ‘dark’ time in the church year, yet still an important time and a time we need to celebrate. For it was only through Jesus’ journey through Lent, that He could fulfill the Father’s will.
A very well-known activity during Lent is to fast. This is to give up some- thing, like coffee, an hour free time, chocolate or whatever is a big part of your weekly life. When you fast, you want that which you gave up, you crave it. In these times we should then turn to God and ask for His help in our fasting. We should also look to Jesus and to thank Him for the road he walked for us. We put ourselves through something difficult by fasting, so Jesus put Himself through something exceedingly difficult by walking the road to the cross.
Whether you feel close to God or far away, God’s love is with you. As we fast, we remember the loving support from God we need this year, as we needed last year and as we will need in the years to come. As we fast, we ask the Holy Spirit to be an everyday reminder to this – God loves you, Jesus died for you and you are embraced by this relationship with a God that gave His holy Son and Holy Spirit for you.
